Six Winter Safety Tips For Skating Beginners
Try a new sport while the snow is still on.
Ice skating is a generally safe, boisterous, and fun sporting activity that promotes exercise and bonding with friends and family. This highly enjoyable activity also comes with certain risks so here are some safety tips that may help keep you and your loved ones out of the ER:
Enroll in Skating Classes
Professionals have years of experience under their belt and a deeper knowledge of the sport so will be able to teach you how to stop and fall safely. They also have know-how, when it comes to getting up after a fall.
Beginners who start skating without assistance are likely to get hurt or cause injuries to other skaters. Being guided by trained professionals can help beginners to avoid this.
Check the area
Before jumping onto the ice, check whether it is thick enough to support your weight. The ice can still crack in winter and cause you to have an icy, unwanted bath so make sure that the ice is stable and free from any melting or slushy bits. Avoid skating on community wet ponds and areas where there is moving water.
Look out for bumps, rocks, branches, and other hard spots that may cause you to trip and stumble, but the best-case scenario is to only skate on ice that is maintained and monitored by authorized individuals.
Wear Protective Gear
Pay attention to your safety by equipping yourself with a helmet that fits snugly your head and is free from cracks. Since ice is rock-hard, it is best to have protective padding on your elbows, knees, and wrists. Padding will help to minimize the impact of a fall by adding an extra layer of protection.
Tune-Up Your Skates
Dull blades can cause skaters to fall so make sure they’re nice and sharp, then check your skates for any rust, cracks, or damage. Wear skates that fit perfectly on you, they should be snug, comfortable, and provide ample support to your ankles.
Dress Warmly
Wear appropriate clothing to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your skates should be comfortable without the need for thick socks or double layers, wearing a pair of thin socks or nylons inside your skates means they fit well.
Warm-Up and Cool Down
Being geared up for skating doesn’t mean you should skip warm-ups and stretches. Make it a habit of warming up before active sports and cooling down by stretching after skating to prevent cramps and sprains.
Our last bit of advice, but most important is to always take a skating buddy with you so that if something happens, you’re not alone. Have a well-stocked first-aid kit on site too, this will give you the confidence that some help is close by.
Do you have ice skating tips that you want to share? Feel free to comment below.
Ice skating is a generally safe, boisterous, and fun sporting activity that promotes exercise and bonding with friends and family. This highly enjoyable activity also comes with certain risks so here are some safety tips that may help keep you and your loved ones out of the ER:
Enroll in Skating Classes
Professionals have years of experience under their belt and a deeper knowledge of the sport so will be able to teach you how to stop and fall safely. They also have know-how, when it comes to getting up after a fall.
Beginners who start skating without assistance are likely to get hurt or cause injuries to other skaters. Being guided by trained professionals can help beginners to avoid this.
Check the area
Before jumping onto the ice, check whether it is thick enough to support your weight. The ice can still crack in winter and cause you to have an icy, unwanted bath so make sure that the ice is stable and free from any melting or slushy bits. Avoid skating on community wet ponds and areas where there is moving water.
Look out for bumps, rocks, branches, and other hard spots that may cause you to trip and stumble, but the best-case scenario is to only skate on ice that is maintained and monitored by authorized individuals.
Wear Protective Gear
Pay attention to your safety by equipping yourself with a helmet that fits snugly your head and is free from cracks. Since ice is rock-hard, it is best to have protective padding on your elbows, knees, and wrists. Padding will help to minimize the impact of a fall by adding an extra layer of protection.
Tune-Up Your Skates
Dull blades can cause skaters to fall so make sure they’re nice and sharp, then check your skates for any rust, cracks, or damage. Wear skates that fit perfectly on you, they should be snug, comfortable, and provide ample support to your ankles.
Dress Warmly
Wear appropriate clothing to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your skates should be comfortable without the need for thick socks or double layers, wearing a pair of thin socks or nylons inside your skates means they fit well.
Warm-Up and Cool Down
Being geared up for skating doesn’t mean you should skip warm-ups and stretches. Make it a habit of warming up before active sports and cooling down by stretching after skating to prevent cramps and sprains.
Our last bit of advice, but most important is to always take a skating buddy with you so that if something happens, you’re not alone. Have a well-stocked first-aid kit on site too, this will give you the confidence that some help is close by.
Do you have ice skating tips that you want to share? Feel free to comment below.
